Staff Reporter:
QUETTA: The Division Bench of Balochistan High Court (BHC), comprising Justice Abdullah Baloch and Justice Rozi Khan Balich, reviewed the ongoing dualization project of the N25 Quetta-Karachi Highway. During the hearing, officials from the Planning Division and the National Highway Authority (NHA) provided updates in compliance with the Supreme Court’s directives.
The bench directed the National Highway Authority (NHA) to expedite the construction of the Quetta-Karachi highway to alleviate the suffering of the people.
The Planning Division/Planning Commission of Pakistan reported that tenders for the remaining sections of the N25 highway are under evaluation, with work orders to be issued soon. Syed Basharat Hussain, Member of NHA Balochistan, confirmed that federal funding for the project is satisfactory, and land acquisition is complete.
Syed Ashraf Shah, General Manager West NHA, highlighted the rapid progress on the repair work for the Saurab, Nag, and Gwadar roads. He assured the court that ample funds are available for these repairs, prompting the bench to call for their swift completion.
The plaintiff’s legal team included Elahi Bakhsh Mengal Advocate, Muslehuddin Mengal, Naseer Ahmed Bangalzai, Deputy Attorney General Nusrat Baloch, Assistant Advocate General Khudai Nazar Hotkani Advocate, and Dost Muhammad Mandu Khel Advocate. Representatives from the Planning Division, NHA officials, and other relevant authorities attended the hearing.
NHA officials assured the court that the Hub Nadi Bridge, delayed due to recent rains, would be completed and opened for traffic by the end of the month. They also provided detailed accounts of funds released for the N25 project, confirming the allocation of approximately 17 billion rupees for 2024-25.
The High Court scheduled the next hearing for September 17, 2024, requiring all parties to submit progress reports by that date.
